At the International Hunting and Equestrian Exhibition held in Abu Dhabi in September 2026, the world of jewellery took an unexpected turn, showcasing exquisite pieces designed specially to adorn the necks of pure Arabian horses. This unique approach to equine adornment reflects a deep appreciation for the beauty and elegance of these majestic creatures.
From Concept to Creation
Hana Hijar, the owner of the “Al-Hana” brand and stud for Arabian horses, elaborates on her design journey that starts with her intimate daily interactions with the horses. Instead of beginning with existing jewellery designs, Hijar draws inspiration from the horse’s anatomy and movements, particularly focusing on the graceful curves of the neck and head.
In an interview with CNN Arabic, Hijar explained that each piece begins as a mental image before it is sketched out. The design process considers how the jewellery will drape around the neck, moving in harmony with the horse’s head and body. Only after finalising the shape does she select the materials, stones, and their arrangement.
Design Diversity
The exhibition showcased a variety of necklace designs, featuring materials such as crystals, zirconium, pearls, and metallic elements. Designs ranged from bold, geometric shapes to more simplified, flowing forms, varying in size, stone distribution, and the movement of their components on the horse’s neck. Some featured intricate three-dimensional elements that enhanced the overall aesthetic.
Hijar noted that the choice of materials extends beyond the stone’s appearance; factors like size, weight, colour, light reflection, and the stone’s compatibility with the horse’s movements are key considerations in the design process. For example, a stone suitable for traditional jewellery may not be appropriate for a piece intended to move continuously with a horse’s neck.
Capturing the Essence of Arabian Horses
The Arabian horse serves as the primary source of inspiration for these designs. The curvature of the neck, the elevation of the head, and the horse’s rhythm all inform the lines of the necklace and the distribution of its elements. Some designs subtly incorporate details from equestrian gear like bridles and saddles, creatively reinterpreting their forms without direct imitation.
Testing and Refinement
Once a necklace is crafted, a vital phase begins: testing the piece on the horse itself. This testing evaluates the necklace’s balance, stability, and flexibility, along with how well it stays in place during the horse’s movements. Hijar indicates that these tests could reveal the need for design adjustments, such as redistributing weight, altering attachment points, or modifying certain elements based on how they perform in practice.
The complexity and size of the jewellery dictate the testing duration, with larger pieces or those containing more dangling elements requiring heightened attention to achieve balance. Thus, some design specifics are only finalised after rigorous real-world testing on the horse.
Personalisation and Customisation
The necklaces are not merely standard designs; they also offer potential for customisation in terms of colours, materials, and stones, including choices like crystal, zircon, and pearls. Furthermore, designs can be tailored to reflect a specific horse’s features, personality, or even a special story connecting them with their owner.